If you already enjoy reading, you might wonder why special and deluxe editions have become so popular recently. The answer is simple: they offer more than just the story. For many readers, they can improve the entire reading experience by turning a book into something that feels truly special. So why pick up a special edition book? And why should you look out for a special edition of your favourite novel?
So why pick up a special edition book?
A special edition book can bring a whole range of benefits to your bookcase, including:
Visual enhancements
Special editions often come with visual enhancements that make them stand out. Sprayed edges, for example, add a splash of colour or design to the edge of the pages, giving the book a unique look. These designs are often based on the theme or plot of the book, adding an extra little detail that will mean something to fans. Other special editions feature stencilled or patterned designs that tie into the theme or cover art. These details are part of what makes these books feel like collector's items, and look great on your bookcase.
Exclusive cover designs
You’ll also often find exclusive cover designs in special editions. These might include foil stamping, embossing, or alternative artwork not found on standard editions. The end result is a book that looks different on your shelf and feels different in your hands. For those who love to display their book collections, these editions can quickly become centrepieces.
Illustrations and art
Illustrations are another common feature. Some special editions include full-colour artwork throughout the book or at key moments in the story. Others may have illustrated chapter headings, maps, or decorative borders. These extras help bring the story to life in a new way and make rereading an old favourite feel fresh again.
Additional material
Special editions often go beyond visuals, too. They may include bonus material such as an interview with the author, a new introduction, or even an extra short story set in the same world. For fans of particular authors or series, this kind of exclusive content can be a big draw. It’s a chance to get more insight into a favourite story or discover something new about the characters or setting.
Quality craftsmanship
Deluxe editions are often printed on higher quality paper, with sewn bindings and hardback covers that are designed to last. They may include ribbon bookmarks, decorated endpapers, or slipcases for extra protection and presentation. These details can make reading feel more like a luxury.
Gift giving
Special edition books also make brilliant gifts. If you know someone who’s a fan of a particular author, series, or genre, a special edition can show you’ve gone the extra mile. It’s more personal than a standard paperback and has a sense of occasion. Whether for a birthday, holiday, or just because, a beautiful edition can be a thoughtful and lasting present.
Collectors
Collectors love special edition books. Limited print runs, signed copies, and numbered editions can quickly become highly sought after. Some readers enjoy the thrill of tracking down rare versions or completing a matching set.
Choose your next special edition book
Ultimately, choosing a special edition brings a unique experience to reading, as well as the joy of owning something beautiful, and the pleasure of supporting authors and publishers who put extra care into their work. So if you haven’t yet tried one, take a look next time you’re in the shop, or online, here at Ever After Books. You might just find a new favourite. Some of our best-selling special editions include:
The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings
Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind
